Christmas is one holiday that the rest of society likes to celebrate with us as Christians. Well, at least kind of. The secular celebration of Christmas is a bit different from the religious meaning of Christmas. The season of Advent is all but forgotten, sometimes even by Catholics. Today’s readings give us three important points to consider as we begin the religious season of preparation for Christmas.
In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah foretells the day when God’s holy city Jerusalem will be raised as the highest mountain. All the nations will come streaming toward it. This is also our role as Christians in the world. We’re not meant to just blend in. Our mission is to stick out in a way that draws other people in. How are we doing on this?
Secondly, St. Paul reminds us, “You know the time.” The time is now. The time is short. What are you putting off doing to prepare your family and yourself for the coming of Jesus? Don’t wait a moment longer.
Finally, the gospel reminds us just how important it is to be ready. Jesus compares his coming to the coming of the flood at the time of Noah. There were warnings. People were given a chance. Some people reject God and Noah, but a lot of people were probably just too apathetic and didn’t care to head the warning. In the end, you were either on the ark or you were dead. That’s a tough message to hear, but it reminds us that this is serious business. Either Jesus is your savior, or you’re dead.
So we’re given these three lessons: the mountain, a call to urgency, and a warning of seriousness. Three things to help guide our focus this Advent. What will you do this season to prepare for the coming of Jesus.